“Eight months after pulling the plug on its troubled 1:1 iPad program, the Los Angeles Unified School District is threatening to sue Apple if it doesn't refund millions spent on the devices and related Pearson software.”

The district says that it won't spend another dollar on the Pearson software, which, according to Apple Insider, was riddled with errors and missing lessons and interactive materials that were promised when the deal was made.

“ Technology plays an important role in the classroom. Teachers can apply technology to help students learn through interactive games and simulations, or by taking advantage of educational resources ...”
Via Maggie Verster

"While we are told how important it is to go 1:1 in schools, this study shows that claim is not fully believed by all of the school's stakeholders. Tech integration is pushed heavily by the ed tech companies and curriculum powerhouses that make tech-compatible material, however, whether people actually believe it will make the most positive difference is something else."

That the arts score high is interesting since that is one of the first items to be cut in a tight school budget. Maybe we are getting into a national discussion of what the purpose of education is: To educate well rounded individuals, or to educate career competent adults and maturity and character are to be obtained elsewhere? -Lon

"From September, coding will be part of the primary and secondary education curriculum in the UK, as part of wider changes designed to boost computer literacy alongside reading, writing and maths skills for British children.

Some independent schools are already providing a glimpse at the potential. Which is why I recently found myself in Cambridge, watching a classroom of Year 5 girls – 9-10 year-olds – practising their programming skills on iPad apps like Hopscotch, Move the Turtle and Kodable."

“ There are now a wide variety of iPad apps that you can use to organize your life and create an effective workflow. In this regard, I handpicked for you some really interesting apps that you should definitely consider to enhance your productivity. These apps provide a bunch of excellent features such as : easy ways to create to-do lists, scheduled notifications, reminders, notifications of upcoming tasks and events, and many more. Some of these apps are also integrated with Google and Google Apps accounts .”
Via John Evans, Donna Clark

“ This is the second article I posted here on SAMR iPad apps in less than two weeks. Why? I love SAMR and I find it a very good pedagogical framework that teachers can draw on to not only integrate technology into their instruction but also assess the efficiency of this technology. And since iPad is a leitmotif in today's learning, its alignment with SAMR model will definitely assist teachers in making the most of the educational potential of this versatile device. To this end , I am sharing with you this wonderful illustrative chart I stumbled upon on Apps in Education.”
Via John Evans

There are so many different challenges that technology integration in the classroom presents teachers. From budgets to hesitant parents to broken devices and totally re-vamping your lesson plans and constantly tweaking with lots of trial and error. It can be fun, hugely rewarding, and a big giant headache, too. But just because it can be …

This post links to a video by Paul Hamilton, Technology in Education. In this 4 minute video Hamilton asks 8 questions that we may want to share with our community, be it our staff, our parents, or the broader community, to begin a dialogue that is lacking in many school districts. Three of the questions he raises are below. Take the time to click through to the post to read the other 5, and if possible find the time to watch this video.

* What do we ant technology to do in schools?

* Are we asking the right questions about technology, learning, and schools?

* Is the way we are using technology now turning our students 'off' to the people and the world around them?

"Makerspaces are an amazing way to bring STEAM, creativity and informal learning into your school, but with so much information out there, many educators aren’t sure of where to get started. In this session, you will get ideas and inspiration on how to bring the Maker Education Movement into your school. Topics covered will include: cultivating a Maker culture, getting student input, finding space, securing funds and donations, gathering supplies, making it happen, and sharing with others. Throughout the presentation, you will see examples from the creation of our school’s library Makerspace, as well as examples from other schools."

Here's a slide deck that outlines the key issues for moving forward with a Maker space. In the Pittsburgh area Maker Spaces are popping up in schools, libraries, community centers, and wherever kids are building and creating.

iPads have tremendous educational potential. If you believe the rumors that are circulating, Apple will be addressing some of the deployment problems in the coming year. Once device management becomes easier, schools can focus their efforts on realizing the promise of mobile devices for learning.

“ In this project, we formed a professional learning community, which had a number of teacher educators and other members of the faculty from a variety of areas. Members had range of experience with mobile and other digital technologies, from being inexperienced to having extensive experience.”
Via Nik Peachey, Paul Westeneng

Thank you Nik...I like it that this article highlighted "investigating how to develop effective learning environments, and how to ensure the learning outcomes were achieved as a result of mobile device usage."

“ (Image Credit: Apple) Firstly, despite its name, Apple TV is not a television. Instead it is a device which allows you to wirelessly stream content from your iOS devices or Mac on your TV or projec...”
Via Karen Stadler, WebTeachers

Slate lets you turn anything you want to say – whether it’s a book report, a newsletter or your latest travel adventure – into a beautiful visual story, in minutes. Bring your words and images together, tap on one of the professionally designed, magazine-style themes and beautiful fonts, colors and motion are automatically applied! The good news is, you don’t have to make any complex design decisions. You can just focus on your story.

“Attendance is up, disturbances are down, and kids are actually taking care of their high-tech school supplies.”Apple: IPads In High-Poverty Maryland Classrooms Help Advance Students.In its blog “The Switch,” the Washington Post (11/18, Tsukayama) reports on a new promotional video from Apple, showcasing the use of iPads by every student and teacher at four high-poverty middle schools in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The video focuses on Buck Lodge Middle school, where students use video, presentations, and educational software daily; 400 Buck Lodge students are permitted to take their tablets home, with the school seeing few drawbacks, better attendance, and decreases in behavioral problems. Apple reports that 175% more students at Prince George’s schools are at “advanced” math levels compared to similar schools without iPads, while 35% more reached an “advanced” reading level.
Via Mel Riddile

"I am starting to see the light… and somewhat emerging from the fog of iPad enrollment and technical logistics. After a full weekend of ACL (yes, the TechChef does find time to enjoy in the Austin music scene), I spent half a day with Randolph ISD sharing some timely tips for managing iPads in the classroom. As I am never one to hoard resources and I imagine that there our other teachers and districts that might benefit from some tried and true management techniques, I thought I would crank out a blog to share these with the greater edusphere."
Via John Evans, Mel Riddile

iOS 8 has finally arrived! But, be forewarned, all of your favorite classroom apps might not be compatible just yet! Watch out for more new app updates with iOS 8 compatibility in the next few weeks and beyond.
Via Guido Knaus, Juergen Wagner

"The Internet is a wonderful invention that has brought the world to our doorsteps. The same technology has also opened new avenues of criminal intent and activity. By paying attention and practicing common sense, we can protect ourselves, while still enjoying the wonders of the web."

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